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Topic: Rear axle selection (Read 2392 times)

I have scratched aluminum as a choice, so wondering to go tube or solid steel? This is not a all out build so would a solid axle really hurt me that bad with performance? Is their like a standard or common width to use? What about the keyway issue for hubs and brakes and stuff? Get a keyway machined where i need them or do they come with a keyway the whole length of the axle? The hubs i have are for 1 1/4 axle and they have a keyway and a squeeze bolt is that enough to keep it in place from moving side to side in cornering? I know i know lots of questions any answers would be appreciated!! Thanks!

If you have the 1 1/4" hubs buy the good hollow axle. Most cart shops have them for around $50-$60. That way you never have to worry about it. It will come fully keyed. And you can use it in future builds if you decide to start over. I've crashed my BP hard and didn't bend mine. If you go with solid stock it would have to be cold rolled so it could be keyed.

You will want shaft locks to hold everything in place. Those are cheap. You can get them at a cart shop as well. They come in steel or aluminum. I've used both. I prefer the aluminum as they don't rust. And a quick tip. The locks will come keyed as well. Don't clamp the key with the lock. Cut your keyway the length of the hub and place the locks 180 deg opposite of the keyway so the key can't fall out. Particularly important on the brake rotor!!!

Go with the 1-1/4" , 1/4" wall chromoly. The 1" solid is actually stronger, anyone who tells you otherwise is wrong However, the 1-1/4" bearings are smoother & when your at the track and you tear something up your going to have trouble finding parts for a 1" axle! I had problems at a race with 1oo+ mowers, about 3 of us had 1" axles!